Although Thailand is usually thought of as an agricultural powerhouse, its textile and apparel industry continues to make a large contribution to the country’s economic growth.
The industry is fully integrated, meaning it has an upstream sector (synthetic fiber and yarn manufacturing), an intermediate sector (manufacturing fabric, spinning, weaving, knitting, bleaching and dyeing) and a downstream sector (apparel manufacturing). Apparel has been the largest sector in terms of production, employment and for a long time export value. But since 2007 the export value of textiles exceeded that of apparel.
Thai textile and apparel industries accounted for 3.4% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2008, or $9.93 billion.
Also see the CIA World Factbook information on Thailand.
Thailand Country Profile
